Alicante isn’t just about beaches and sunshine; it’s a lively hub of local markets, culinary treats, and cultural spots. If you love exploring authentic flavors, bustling markets, and learning new skills, Alicante has plenty to offer. We particularly enjoyed the Alicante: Paella & Sangria Class with Tapas and Market Visit because it combines shopping for fresh ingredients, cooking, and enjoying your creations in a friendly, hands-on setting. It’s a perfect way to learn about Spanish cuisine while supporting local vendors.
For travelers eager for a more in-depth city experience, the Alicante Semi-Private Tour: City, Castle, Market & Tapas Walk offers a relaxed, small-group glimpse into Alicante’s historic sites and lively local life. And if your focus is on gastronomy, the Alicante Bullring and Central Market Gastronomic Tour provides a fascinating look at bullfighting culture combined with delicious tastings.
Below is a detailed look at each of the nine best shopping and market tours in Alicante, so you can choose the one that suits your style perfectly.
1. Alicante: Paella & Sangria Class with Tapas and Market Visit
At number 1, this hands-on culinary experience combines a market visit with a cooking class led by a local chef. The tour begins by exploring Alicante’s Central Market, where you’ll select the freshest ingredients—think vibrant vegetables, seafood, and meats. Then, in a lively 3.5-hour session, you’ll learn how to prepare an authentic Alicante-style paella with your choice of seafood, meat, or vegetables, and make your own sangría, with options for alcohol-free versions. You’ll also sample traditional tapas and appetizers throughout the class.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on participation; you’re not just watching but actively cooking and tasting in a relaxed environment. You get to take home your paella recipe and enjoy the dish you prepared with a group of fellow food lovers. The professional local chef guides you through each step, sharing insider tips and cooking secrets.
Reviewers love the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn a truly authentic recipe. With a 4.8/5 rating from 233 reviews, it’s clear this experience offers excellent value and a genuine taste of Alicante.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn how to cook authentic paella and enjoy a lively market experience in just a few hours.
2. Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks and Market
At number 2, this comprehensive 3.5-hour experience blends a local market visit with a participatory paella cooking class, complemented by traditional tapas and local drinks. For around $56 per person, you’ll visit a vibrant market where you’ll buy ingredients for your dish, learning how to pick the best produce and seafood. Then, under the guidance of a passionate chef, you’ll prepare your own paella, choosing between seafood, meat, or vegetarian options.
This class excels in creating an immersive cultural experience—you’re not just cooking but engaging directly with market vendors and gaining insights into Spanish culinary traditions. The tapas tasting and drinks, including local wine and sangría, add to the convivial atmosphere.
Guests rave about the friendly guide, Marina, and the lively, family-like environment. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into Alicante’s cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a full-bodied culinary experience with plenty of local flavor and interaction.
3. Paella & Sangria Cooking Class in Alicante with Market Visit
At number 3, this 3-hour 30-minute class emphasizes market interaction and learning techniques to cook from fresh, local ingredients. The tour includes a market visit where you’ll shop for ingredients alongside stall owners, supporting small businesses, then cook in a friendly group of up to 15 people. The class covers paella, sangría, and tapas, with a focus on Spanish culinary traditions.
This tour’s strength lies in its personalized approach—fewer participants mean more attention from the guide and chef. Reviewers note that Fred and Maria are both warm, knowledgeable, and engaging. They share tips on ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and cultural context, making it a well-rounded educational experience.
The reviews highlight how much fun participants have while learning, with many returning for a second session. Price-wise, it offers a solid value considering the quality of instruction and ingredients.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, hands-on cooking class with personalized guidance.
4. Alicante Semi-Private Tour: City, Castle, Market & Tapas Walk
Positioned at number 4, this semi-private city tour combines cultural highlights and local flavor in 3 to 4 hours. You’ll start at the Alicante City Hall, then ascend to Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views. Afterward, stroll through historic squares like Plaza Gabriel Miró, visit the Basilica Santa Maria, and admire Casa Carbonell’s Modernist architecture.
The highlight is the tapas walk, where you’ll sample local dishes at authentic bars. The small-group setting (max 12 participants) ensures a personalized experience and plenty of time for questions.
The tour’s strength is its blend of history, culture, and cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The reviews praise the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making it a well-rounded introduction to Alicante.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a compact, cultural overview with tasty bites in a small-group setting.
5. All of Alicante with the Castle, Market, and Tapas. Small group, max 6 people
This experience is at number 5, offering a half-day walking tour that covers Alicante’s main sights and flavors in about 3.5 hours. Starting at Plaça de l’Ajuntament, you’ll explore explanada de España, Casa Carbonell, Plaza Gabriel Miró, and more. It culminates with Santa Bárbara Castle and a visit to the Central Market, where you’ll taste local products.
Limited to just 6 people, this tour provides a personal touch and flexibility to customize your experience. The focus on history, local shops, and food makes it an ideal choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet intimate overview.
Reviewers mention the guide’s depth of knowledge and the enjoyable pacing. It’s a fine pick for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting a full but relaxed overview of Alicante, with plenty of tastings.
6. Alicante: Bullring and Central Market Gastronomic Tour
At number 6, this 2.5-hour private tour explores Alicante’s bullfighting tradition and culinary scene. You’ll visit the Bullring, learning about its history and art of bullfighting, then move to the Central Market to sample some of the best Mediterranean cuisine.
What makes this tour distinctive is the combination of cultural history with gastronomy, offering a deeper understanding of local customs. Reviewers like Joel found it informative and fun, especially for those interested in Spain’s bullfighting history.
The private nature ensures a personalized experience, and the tasting of local foods adds flavor to the cultural tour.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in cultural history and food, especially those curious about bullfighting culture combined with market tastings.
7. Alicante: Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars
Number 7 offers a guided food tour through Alicante’s Central Market, paired with visits to two local tapas bars. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll taste regional specialties, learn about local ingredients, and enjoy regional wines and beers.
This tour is ideal for food lovers seeking a delicious, social experience. The guide interprets the local culinary scene, making it easier to understand what makes Alicante’s food culture special. Reviewers appreciate the interactive nature and the chance to sample multiple dishes at different venues.
The focus on local snacks and regional drinks makes it a great introduction for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Alicante’s authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a tasty, social food experience in a lively market setting.
8. Alicante Tapas Tour with a visit to the Central Market
Positioned as a pure tapas experience, this 2.5-hour tour focuses on trying 3 different tapas dishes at local venues, with a visit to the Central Market to understand regional ingredients. Though reviews are limited, it’s ideal for travelers who want a short, flavorful bite-sized tour of Alicante’s tapas scene.
This experience emphasizes local food and is guided by a local host, making it perfect for a casual, authentic bite during your stay. It’s a simple, straightforward way to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a social atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick tasting experience for travelers with limited time but a desire for authentic flavors.
9. Torrevieja: Local Market and Panoramic Tour
Rounding out the list at number 9, this 4.5-hour guided tour takes you from Alicante to Torrevieja, a lively coastal town. It combines a local market visit with scenic views of Laguna Rosa and Santa Pola Lighthouse, perfect for travelers wanting a more relaxed, scenic experience outside Alicante.
It includes art and crafts markets, making it a well-rounded way to see local life and coastal scenery. The tour includes pickup and transportation, making logistics easy.
While it’s less about food and more about scenery and local culture, it’s excellent for those who want to mix markets with scenic views of Alicante’s surroundings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a combination of coastal scenery, local markets, and panoramic views.
How to Choose Your Perfect Alicante Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests: want to learn to cook? The paella classes might be your best bet. Looking for more culture and sightseeing? The city and castle tour (here) offers a well-rounded experience. For culinary immersion, the market-guided food tours (here) deliver regional flavors in a lively setting.
Budget, time, and your specific interests—whether it’s cooking, history, or market shopping—should guide your choice. For example, if you love small groups and personalized attention, the small-group tour (here) might be best. If you prefer scenic views and local markets outside of Alicante, the Torrevieja tour (here) fits the bill.
Booking early is wise during peak season, especially for popular classes and small-group tours. Check availability in advance to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Alicante offers a variety of shopping, culinary, and cultural tours tailored for different interests. Whether you want to master paella, explore the city’s highlights, or enjoy authentic tapas, there’s something for every traveler. The top-rated classes like the Paella & Sangria Class and market-guided tours are excellent choices for immersive experiences.
For those who prioritize culture and scenery, the semi-private city tour and coastal excursions provide a broader taste of Alicante’s charm. Remember to book early, especially for tours with limited spaces, and enjoy your savoring, shopping, and discovering in this lively Spanish city.
